This temple was built in 1070 and reconstructed during the Trần dynasty (1225–1400). For nearly two centuries, despite wars and disasters, the temple has preserved the ancient architectural styles of many dynasties as well as precious relics.
The temple covers an area of over 54000 square metres and is surrounded by a brick wall. The main gate opens onto three pathways that continue through the complex. The centre path was reserved for the monarch, the one to its left for the administrative Mandarins and the one to its right for military Mandarins. The interior of the site is divided into five courtyards. The first two courtyards are quiet areas with ancient trees and trimmed lawns, where scholars could relax away from the bustle of the outside world.
The second courtyard contains the "Constellation of Literature pavilion" a unique architectural constructed in 1805 and built on four whitewashed stone stilts. At the top is a red-coloured pavilion with two circular windows and an elaborate roof, inside hangs a bronze bell that is rung on auspicious occasions.
Next to the "Constellation of Literature pavilion" stands the "Crystallisation of Letters" and the "Magnificence of Letters" gates that are dedicated to the beauty of the content and form of literature.
Beyond the "Constellation of Literature" Pavilion is the third courtyard containing the "Well of Heavenly Clarity". On either side of the well stand two halls that house the great treasures of the temple, the Turtle Steles (Tortoise-mounted record tablets – sorry no photo) proclaiming the names of those successful at the royal exams.
In 1484, the King Lê Thánh Tông erected 116 steles of carved blue stone turtles with elaborate motifs to honour talent and encourage study. The turtle ("quy") is one of the nation's four holy creatures. The others are the dragon ("long"), the unicorn ("ly") and the phoenix ("phuong"). The turtle is a symbol of longevity. The ancient Chinese engravings on each stele praise the merits of the monarch and cite the reason for holding royal exams. They also record the mandarins who were tasked with organising the exams.
On each side of the ceremonial fourth courtyard, entered through the "Gate of Great Synthesis", stand two halls. Their original purpose was to house altars to the seventy-two most honoured disciples of Confucius.
A very interesting visit but quite difficult to understand and take in the full significance of this Temple.
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